Dewlap

I've had several people ask me about the red flap of skin that flares out from the throat of the green anole lizard. This flap of red skin is called a "dewlap" and is found on males.

One reason for this behavior is territoriality. If a male spots another male in his territory he will show his dominance by flaring his delwap and bobbing up and down as if doing pushups. Sort of a way of telling the other male to leave its space or face the consequences.

It also serves another purpose- courting. During breeding season the male will flash his dewlap as a way of attracting females.